Moving
into February, our society is pleased to present
Round
Table Discussion:
Family
Search & General Genealogy
led
by member, JOAN ENDERS, to help us learn the most effective ways to
use FamilySearch. We look forward to a good discussion session with
help from her colleagues, and varied round table topics.
Are you a federal worker getting no pay during the government shutdown? You are welcome to come and use the GFO Library FREE as long as this shutdown lasts. You
may have extra time on your hands; feel free to come tap all the
resources the GFO has to offer, including 50,000 holdings and access to
subscription databases that would cost you an arm and a leg at home. Please show your government employment I.D. at our reception desk for free admission.
Spring Seminar Registration Now Open!
You’ve seen him on TV on Oprah’s Roots and Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates. Now come hear him in person for a day and a half of superb genealogy lessons. We are thrilled to be able to bring professional genealogist and Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association Tony Burroughs to Portland for our Spring Seminar April 26th and 27th. In
a special promotion, we have cut the usual seminar price in half. It
costs just $25 to attend the first day and $15 the second.
We’re thrilled to be a FamilySearch Affiliate Library now. However, to be able to use FamilySearch at the GFO, you must bring your own login name and password. It’s
free. FamilySearch does not charge for this service, but it does
require each researcher to use their own login and password to access
these additional resources at its Affiliate Libraries.
Board Fills Vacancy
We are delighted to welcome Joyce Grant-Worley to the GFO Board of Directors and sad to say goodbye to Anne Wheeler. Anne
has had to step away from her work on GFO’s board for personal reasons.
While she’s not able to serve as Director-at-Large any longer, Anne
will continue to help our library team, serving indispensably in GFO’s
many ongoing projects. We will miss Anne on the board and want to extend
our thanks to her for her dedication and hard work. Joyce
attends many of the Special Interest Groups and jumped in to lead the
new Family Tree Maker Users’ Group. She’s also involved with the
Portland Mac Users Group (PMUG) College which is now holding regular
Apple computer classes at the GFO. Welcome to the board, Joyce!
If these books by Teddy Roosevelt were inscribed by the author, they’d be worth $23,000! Alas, they are not. So this set of five can be yours for just $50! Before he was President of the United States, Roosevelt wrote his The Winning of the West series. These are 1905 reprints of his 1889 books, featuring suede-like spines. This set includes Volumes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 (4 is missing). Titles include The Spread of English Speaking Peoples, In the Current of the Revolution, The War in the North West, St. Clair and Wayne, and Louisiana and Aaron Burr. To buy these books, contact booksales@gfo.org. There are hundreds more historic volumes available in the GFO Bookstore. Also be sure to check our $2 and $10 surplus book shelves at the front of the library.
Find the Story, Write the Story: Half-Day Seminar Join professional genealogist Pam Vestal for a half-day seminar at the GFO on Sunday, February 24th from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Topics: Teasing Out the Hidden Story Behind the Genealogical Facts. Learn to dig deeply into the genealogical details and to breathe life into your ancestors’ stories. How to Write Ancestral Stories Even Your Relatives Will Want to Read.
With good research, thoughtful planning, and a dash of ingenuity, you
can create engaging genealogical stories designed to entice even
seemingly disinterested readers. Register online now!
Bonus Donations to GFO for Magazines Purchased This Month
We’re
excited to announce another bonus donation opportunity for Genealogical
Forum Of Oregon Inc. Through January 31, 2019, AmazonSmile will donate
15% the purchase price of new print magazine subscriptions. Click here for details. You can help us all year long by shopping from smile.amazon.com
after you choose the Genealogical Forum of Oregon to benefit from your
purchases. Amazon makes a small donation each time but charges you
nothing extra.
SUNDAY, January 20th Library Work Party 9 a.m. – noon There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can come. There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there.
Family Tree Maker for Beginners 1 – 3 p.m. This is a beginners’ class for Family Tree Maker users and for those considering a purchase. It will be repeated on a quarterly basis.
French Canada Group 3:30 – 5 p.m. This month’s topic will be our “gateway” ancestor or ancestors, those who were the first to arrive in New France and/or Acadia, and whose ancestral line has come down to us. Also, members will discuss family associations and organizations as reunion and genealogical resources. Come and join this group to learn more about French Canadian ancestry and Acadia. The group leader is Bob LaMarche. Send questions to FrCan@gfo.org.
WEDNESDAY, January 23rd Library Open late to 8 p.m.
Did anybody notice that last Wednesday I used the wrong picture??? My bad; Swiss Cheese Brain Syndrome coming on.
Sunny Morton is coming to town! To Spokane, actually. Next April 6th as the EWGS Spring Seminar speaker. Sunny is nationally known and to learn all about her, just Google her name. She’s a RootsTech presenter and author and from her long list of presentations, EWGS picked four that are guaranteed to teach everybody something. Mark your calendar, gather up a roommate, and plan to head east on I-90 next April. You won’t be sorry, I guarantee.
I’d like to let you know about an upcoming educational program we are offering on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave. in partnership with Skagit Valley Genealogical Society. The topic of the program is An Introduction to Jewish Genealogy and will be presented by Mary Kathryn Kozy. This event is free and open to the public. I’ve attached a flyer with more information. Please feel free to forward or post on any wall you wish! We appreciate your help in getting the word out, because we would like as many people as possible to benefit from our programs.
Please contact me with any questions or feedback.
Thank you for helping us spread the word about these free and valuable
community resources.
If
you use Legacy Family Tree Software for tracking your genealogy
research, there is a Legacy Users Group that meets monthly to discuss
tips, tricks and problems. You will always come away with some new
ideas. The meetings are held regularly on the first Monday of the month.
Members and non-members are welcome.
GENEALOGY RESEARCH BOOK CLUB
Mon, 4 Feb 4 2019: 12-1:30 pm
CCGS Library
There
are many “research rich” books of genealogical historical collections,
as well as “how to” books on methods, collection and data storage of
genealogy research. This group delves into one chapter at
a time and discusses how to make the best use of it. Join this casual
group as they delve into their favorite topic of books on family history
discovery and sleuthing. (Brown baggers welcome!)
DNA AND THE GPS SOLVES A MYSTERY: HAMILTONS IN COLONIAL NEW ENGLAND WEBINAR
Wed, 6 Feb 2019: 11-12:30 pm
CCGS Library
Who
was Captain Thomas Hamilton? Y-DNA solves a 300-year old mystery of his
origins. Using the Genealogical Proof Standard as well as DNA evidence,
the instructor in this Legacy Family Tree webinar describes how the
mystery is solved. Types of testing will be covered and how DNA can
solve family mysteries.
UNFOCUSED GENEALOGY DISCUSSION GROUP
Thu, 7 Feb 2019: 1-3 pm
CCGS Library
There’s
no meeting agenda, no special topic, just a group of curious people
bringing genealogy research notes, questions, brick walls, etc. to share
with the group. Get ideas for the next steps you should take in your
research.
CCGS HOURS
Sat, 9 Feb 2019: 6-9 pm
CCGS Library
Do
you find it hard to get to the Clark County Genealogical Library during
daytime hours? Come in on Third Thursday to tap into our richest
resource: knowledgeable librarians who can help you with your family
history search. We won’t do it for you, but we will provide guidance.
One librarian has Scandinavian research expertise. The library has over
10,000 books and resources, and free access on our computers to
Ancestry.com and AmericanAncestors.com. Bring your own computer and use
our free wifi.
SCANDINAVIAN ROOTS INTEREST GROUP
SCANDINAVIAN ROOTS INTEREST GROUP
Mon, 18 Feb, 2019: 2-3:30 pm
CCGS Library
If
you want to discover your Scandinavian roots, come to this interest
group and be inspired. You’ll get tips for conducting research and
finding cousins. Meet with other like-minded individuals who have
discovered their ancestors going back many generations. Geographic areas
include Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe
Islands.
ONLINE RESOURCES FOR FRENCH GENEALOGY WEBINAR PART I
Wed, 20 Feb 2019: 11 am-12:30 pm
CCGS Library
French
genealogy researchers benefit from some of the most complete, detailed,
and well-preserved records in the world. Due to the digitization
efforts, records commonly used for French genealogy are also among the
most accessible. In this first of a three-part Legacy Family Tree
webinar series, explore the record sets most commonly found online.
CCGS HOURS
Thurs, 21 Feb 2019: 6-9 pm
CCGS Library
Do
you find it hard to get to the Clark County Genealogical Library during
daytime hours? Come in on Third Thursday to tap into our richest
resource: knowledgeable librarians who can help you with your family
history search. We won’t do it for you, but we will provide guidance.
One librarian has Scandinavian research expertise. The library has over
10,000 books and resources, and free access on our computers to
Ancestry.com and AmericanAncestors.com. Bring your own computer and use
our free wifi.
GENEALOGY ENTHUSIASTS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Tue, 26 Feb 2019: 10 am to noon
Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, Washington 98660
How
much do you know about the War of 1812? What was it about, what did it
accomplish, and how can you find the records of those who served?
Military history and genealogist expert Duane Funk will talk about the
often overlooked War of 1812. Nevertheless, it gave us our national
anthem, was an important time in our nation’s history, and nearly tore
the country apart.
SPREADSHEETS 401: EXCEL-LENT INSPIRATION FOR GENEALOGISTS WEBINAR
Wed, 27 Feb, 2019: 11 am-12:30 pm
CCGS Library
Take
a trip with spreadsheets to the lands of your ancestors. In this Legacy
Family Tree Webinar, learn how spreadsheets can help as you learn to
read foreign language newspapers or serve as a translation tool for your
ancestors’ vital and religious records. Create spreadsheets to track
your ancestors and those great ethnic or locality websites.
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR GENEALOGY Review your resolutions from last year. If you didn’t accomplish many of them, ask yourself why not. Try again. Be realistic and set reasonable goals. Stay on top of the basics.
Visit and interview your older relatives, carefully recording their memories.
Backup the genealogy data you keep on your computer – family tree, photos, documents. Set a schedule for this. Create a gedcom of your family tree. Back up to the cloud or to an external drive.
Review your sources and documents
Start writing your family history. Make a list of stories to tell. Commit to writing one story monthly, or every other month, or even just quarterly – whatever frequency suits you. Have fun with it.
VOLUNTEER AT SGS SGS is a member-driven and volunteer-run organization. We could not succeed without the support of our members, and the talents and dedication of our volunteers. The benefits of volunteering include camaraderie with fellow genealogists, sharing genealogical tips, enhancing your current skills, and discovering skills you never knew you had.
Help Wanted!
SGS has several upcoming events and projects and we need you.
Japanese Genealogy Seminar on February 2-3, 2019, at the Central Branch of the Seattle Public Library. We need several volunteers the week prior to the event to assemble handouts. On both days, we need volunteers to arrive by 8:45 am and greet attendees. We also need volunteers to distribute lunch on Saturday, February 2nd.
Spring 2019 Seminar on May 18-19, 2019, with Diahan Southard – the Seminar Committee needs help prior to the event to mail brochures, transport supplies to the venue, purchase snacks; and on the day of the event – help with set-up and break down. We also need lunchtime table hosts to facilitate conversations.
Board Elections are coming up! We need several members to join our Nominations Committee. Committee members are elected each spring along with the Board of Directors. If you want to assume a leadership role on the Board or help recruit new Board members, send an email to nominations@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org
2020 Suffrage Centennial in Washington State – SGS will submit a grant for $5,000 this April to develop and deliver commemorative programs in 2020. Do you have an ancestor who was a suffragette? Or a female ancestor who lived in Washington state in 1920? We are seeking pictures, letters, journals, stories and family history. Help us plan one or more events focusing on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment. Want to learn more? Check out the Washington State Historical Society’s website .
100th Anniversary of SGS in 2023 – it is not too early to begin planning now. What events and programs do you envision to commemorate our 100th anniversary? What role do you want to play? Help us plan events to celebrate 100 years of SGS.
Indexers – we have more indexing projects lined up this winter and spring. Index when you want and where you want. Help SGS get those records online and searchable!
If you are interested in volunteering with SGS, please contact Heidi L Mair, Director of Volunteers, volunteers@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org to set up a time to discuss your interests and our opportunities.
FREE JAPANESE GENEALOGY SEMINAR with Linda Harms Okazaki February 2-3, 2019 Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA Join the Seattle Genealogical Society and our partners for a weekend of learning how to research Japanese American ancestry. This seminar is funded through the generosity of the Heritage Grant program.
SGS is proud to sponsor one of the first seminars in the region to assist those interested in learning how to research Japanese-Americans heritage. While the program is free, registration is required. Sign up now.
Entry level family historians are encouraged to attend Saturday’s all-day program “Exploring Our Nikkei Genealogy” geared toward novice researchers. A box lunch ($15.00) may be ordered in advance. Those who attend this session are invited to return Sunday afternoon, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, for “Ask a Genealogist”.
Intermediate and advanced level researchers are encouraged to attend Sunday morning’s program “Japanese American Research for Genealogists”. Those who attend this session are asked to volunteer their research skills on Sunday afternoon, helping Saturday’s novice researchers to get started on their family history journey by talking to an experienced researcher.
SAVE THE DATE Strategies for Breaking Down Brick Walls, With Mary Kozy, Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State, LDS Factoria Church Building 4200 124th Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98006 Monday, February 11, 7:15 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm for all to enjoy the extensive JGSWS library’s genealogical resources. Free Wi-Fi, admission, and refreshments. Come early to network with other attendees. Presentation starts promptly at 7:15 pm. SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. JANUARYSaturday, January 19, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, Jean Roth, leader Saturday, January 19, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German SIG, Jean Roth, leader
Saturday, January 26, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets quarterly at Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, co-chaired by Cary Bright & Herb McDaniel. For more info contact SGSDNASIG@gmail.com FEBRUARYSaturday, February 2, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly is leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.org
Sunday, February 3, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, with Cary Bright. Q&A first hour, while focus second hour in on Genome Mate Pro.
Saturday, February 9, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Second Saturday Speakers Series – “Using Manuscripts and Family Records for Genealogical Proof” with Steven Morrison
Saturday, February 16, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish SIG, Jean Roth, leader Saturday, February 16, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German SIG, Jean Roth, leader
Do
you find it hard to get to the Clark County Genealogical Library during
daytime hours? Come in on Third Thursday to tap into our richest
resource: knowledgeable librarians who can help you with your family
history search. We won’t do it for you, but we will provide guidance.
One librarian has Scandinavian research expertise. The library has over
10,000 books and resources, and free access on our computers to
Ancestry.com and AmericanAncestors.com. Bring your own computer and use
our free wifi.
GENEALOGY ENTHUSIASTS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Tue, 22 Jan 2019: 10 am to noon
Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, Washington 98660
Cemeteries
can be a rich source of information for genealogists, but how do you
identify the right cemetery and where do you find it? What preparation
should you make to prepare for a cemetery visit? Presenter Laurel Smith
will help you answer these questions and share tips. Some resources to
help you answer these questions will be shared by Laurel Smith. Smith is
past president of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon.
USING ONE NOTE WITH YOUR GENEALOGY WEBINAR
Wed, 23 Jan 2019: 11 am-12:30 pm
CCGS Library
OneNote
has been one of Microsoft’s best kept secrets. Whether you use other
software/applications in the Microsoft productivity family OR you want
to use OneNote separately, it is a robust program to use in conjunction
with your genealogy management software. Come learn how to get the most
out of this great note-taking program in this Legacy Family Tree webinar
presentation.
YOU CAN DO THIS: PHOTO ORGANIZING AND PRESERVATION WEBINAR
Wed, 30 Jan 2019: 11 am-12:30 pm
CCGS Library
Are
you sitting on a pile of old family photographs, slides, negatives or
home movies and wondering how to maintain them? As Baby Boomers take on
the task of organizing family history materials, how do we preserve
these with all the technology available? Participants in this Legacy
Family Tree webinar taught by expert Thomas MacEntee will learn the best
ways to organize and keep family photos including outsourcing as well
as the DIY approach. Starting with quick and easy inventory and
organizing tips, we’ll move on to creating a strategic plan to finally
get this photo project done!
“The good things you do and throw in the river of life, will be returned to you in the desert of life.” Sa’adi
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